Childhood goes by in a blink of an eye. For parents, kids’ birthday parties are an opportunity to slow down and savor the magical moments. It’s a chance to gather with loved ones and celebrate love, laughter, and another trip around the sun.
As we look over last year’s birthday party trends, we can’t help but smile at the accuracy of our predictions. Yes, we did predict that Barbie would take over in all of her pink splendor. Our hunch that disco balls would be as popular as streamers proved true, as well. This year, we’re excited to don our detective hats, once again, and predict the most exciting trends to take over kids’ birthday parties.
Keep reading to discover 15 kids’ birthday party trends that will surprise and delight guests. You’ll find everything from the best sips and bites to our favorite fads for entertainment and décor. Of course, you’ll also find the best cake trends to make your little one’s wishes come true. Growing up has never been so much fun — or Instagrammable.
But First, See If You Can Guess the 2024 Kids’ Birthday Trend in the Video…
1. Beachy Themes Catch a Wave
Our kids might not have hit the work scene yet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to appreciate a beach vacation. This year, birthday bashes are indulging in sun, sand, and waves. This gender-neutral theme delights even without a body of water in sight. Check out how the following kids’ birthday parties recreate a beach vacation right at home.
Beach Babes
Sweet Gifts Balloons & Events transforms this private backyard into a tropical paradise with a customized surfboard wall installation. Striped tenting and woven chandeliers lend a dreamy softness to the scene, while colorful balloons add the perfect amount of punch.
See some of our other favorite décor moments from this backyard bash, like the white-fringed canopy tent and plush pillow seating.
The Big One
You’ve heard of big wave surfing; now it’s time for big wave décor. This beach-themed kid’s birthday party, planned by Modern Party Co, recreates “point break” with a custom-made ocean-blue backdrop.
Make sure to also check out the beachy boho tablescapes with macramé table runners, sea-blue glassware, and beaded décor.
2. Upscale Picnics in Punchy Colors
Forget everything that you know about picnics. Kids’ birthday planners are reimagining this weekend pastime with elevated tablescapes in eye-catching hues. Keep scrolling to see how laidback al-fresco dining gets a makeover with chic décor and bright color schemes.
A Rainbow Feast
Event planner Ilana Rubin Events recreates the rainbow with striped umbrellas, colorful picnic tables, and a playful collection of throw pillows.
See how drinks and dessert stay on theme with a rainbow-striped bar, rainbow-sprinkle birthday cake, and sugary sweets in every hue.
3. Neutrals Are Sweet With a Pâtisserie Theme
Take away the color, but not the creativity, with a pâtisserie party theme in neutral hues. We love how European bakeries beckon passersby with their sweet aromas, sugary treats, and charming Old World architecture. While the future might dazzle with vibrant colors and metallic textures, the past is just as photo-worthy with a muted color palette. Keep scrolling to see why.
Darling Green Doljanchi
This adorable Korean first-birthday party elevates earthy hues at every turn. Kid-sized tables feature mint tabletops and wooden seating. Woven picnic baskets keep the party favors on theme.
See how the catering by Alexandra Dettori Catering & Events continues the color scheme with a green and beige birthday cake and plenty of passed bites in shades of chestnut and cream.
Perfectly Pink Pâtisserie
Yes, Barbie and a magenta color palette took 2023 by storm; but 2024 is ready for a softer shade of pink. This charming pâtisserie-themed birthday party features a pale-pink “store front” and creamy floral installations.
Discover how Hedrick’s Catering & Events keeps guests satiated with miniature three-tiered heart cakes and a chic self-serve coffee station.
4. A Sherbet Palette for the Pickiest Eaters
For those who crave their sweets in a little more color, consider a sherbet palette for your little one’s bash. We love how décor companies are taking inspiration from this classic after-dinner treat and playing with a mix of bright contrasting colors. Don’t take our word for it: Check out the following birthday parties, and see for yourself.
Tropical Sherbet Twist
Hedrick’s Catering & Events keeps catching our eye with their delicious birthday party bites. This beach club bash features refreshing sorbet snow cones — and a color palette to match.
Don’t miss the custom-made beach house backdrop with cascades of balloon décor in fresh and fruity hues.
Under the [Sherbet] Sea
This fourth-birthday party whisks guests to an underwater wonderland filled with bright corals and sea green shades. An ocean-themed cake perfectly complements a colorful balloon archway and other unique décor moments.
See how event planner Macy Lima Celebrations + Events continues to impress guests with a seashell bracelet and costume station — all in the same fun and fruity shades.
5. Balloon Art Is on Point
Who says kids can’t appreciate the finer things in life — like Pointillism art? This Impressionist offshoot is no longer confined to stuffy museums. Balloon artists are bringing this painting technique to life with creative 3D balloon installations. Fine art has never been more approachable — or adorable.
In an Octopus’s Garden
Balloon and Paper turns a backyard pool into an ocean adventure with a larger-than-life octopus balloon installation and wave cardboard cutout.
See how the balloon art continues with bubbles, seaweed, crabs, and starfish. With such an idyllic scene, it’s no surprise that a “real-life” mermaid pays a visit.
Shark Attack
This backyard kid’s pool party wows with a giant shark crafted from easily over a hundred balloons. Pointillist palms are just as photo-worthy.
Check out the video at the beginning of the article to see how the Siren & Co. captures this creative birthday party from every angle. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is definitely worth a thousand.
6. Larger-Than-Life Décor Installations
Watching our kids grow up is a magical experience. This year, we’re celebrating “getting bigger” with even bigger décor installations. Nothing creates an immersive experience like larger-than-life decorations.
Street Art Spectacular
Event planner Chris Weinberg Events and designer Gilded Group Décor team up for this graffiti-inspired Bar Mitzvah party — and the results are truly spectacular. A towering aerosol can features a “spritz” of spray paint thanks to this cascade of bright orange balloons.
See how Rock With U brings both kids and adults to the dance floor with the help of laser lights, glow-in-the-dark props, and a confetti drop.
Inside Barbie’s Dreamhouse
Step inside Barbie’s Dreamhouse at this stunning Bat Mitzvah party designed by Shedrack W. Design LLC and Geo Events Design. We especially love the life-size pink kitchen and perfectly-pink bar set up.
See some of our other favorite moments planned by M.Studio Events. We’ll give you a hint: It turns out, Barbie’s backyard is just as chic.
7. Fringe Is Back
Trends come and go — but some are just too good for a one-time fad. We are happy to predict that fringe is coming back in style. Decorative tassels add texture and depth to everything from ceiling décor to kids’ activity sets. See some of our favorite ideas below.
Streaming a Melody
ChrisFête Events plans this delightful birthday party filled with pretty pastel hues and plenty of pleasing textures. Who needs chandeliers when you can pair clusters of balloons with colorful fringe, instead?
See if you can spot the other trending party element at this event. Not sure? Keep reading to find out.
Not Your Boring Bounce House
This Bluey-inspired birthday party reminds us that ceilings aren’t the only place for fringe décor. A simple white bounce house becomes an instant photo op with the addition of these colorful tassels.
Make sure to see a close-up photo of the table cloths by Creative Crayons Workshop. It’s official: kids are finally allowed to draw on the table linen.
8. No Ideas Are Off the Table
Skip the table linen — and use your imagination, instead. Swap cloth for fashion attire, or replace table runners with pages from a beloved kid’s story. For once, your kids will be happy to stay put in their seats while the adults linger over coffee.
A Spellbound Bash
Take a page from HK Events LA and create an immersive experience with thoughtfully designed tablescapes. We love how the tables at this Harry Potter-themed birthday bash feel straight out of Hogwarts with book centerpieces and loose-leaf paper linen. Elegant wooden tablescapes and shady cream umbrellas by Event City LA perfect the look.
Check out how the creativity continues with magical Golden Snitch place settings, a brick photo op, and a “book-lined” birthday cake.
Tutu Trim
Trust Barbie to know all of the latest fashion trends. Kids at this Barbie-themed birthday party sport their finest with a dress-up activity station. The fashionable moments continue with a pink tutu-trimmed bar area and tablescapes.
See how Wham Bam Events and florist XO Bloom team up to perfect every detail of this stylish soirée. We especially love the Barbie doll mannequin decked out in real-life blooms.
9. Candy Charcuterie
Charcuterie is a staple of any adult cocktail party. Now, kids can indulge in the finer things in life as well. Cue the candy charcuterie board and sophisticated bites. We’re talking candied brie, gummy cheddars, sour goudas — and even dessert sushi. Life has never been so sweet.
Coachella Goes Kid Friendly
Sweet Gifts Balloons & Events designs this stylish Coachella-themed kid’s birthday party with “Brochella” signage, macramé details, and plenty of pampas grass.
See how the food is just as chic with hot dogs served on a mini Ferris wheel and charcuterie boards for kids and adults alike.
Let kids enjoy sophisticated bites like sushi appetizer in candied form. offers just that at this metallic-themed Bar Mitzvah party.
Make sure to check out the candied sushi rolls, as well. Who needs seaweed when a fruit roll-up will do?
10. Colorful Bubble Cakes
Ask any kid, and they’ll tell you: One of the best parts of a birthday party is the cake. Bakery and dessert companies only get more creative as the years go by. This year, that creativity is resulting in colorful cakes with bubble icing. The best part? You can match your cake to your balloon décor for a seamless aesthetic.
From Balloons to Bubble Cake
MICHELLE FLORES PHOTOGRAPHY captures every detail from this Encanto-themed birthday party, including a delicious birthday bubble cake with sweet pastel hues.
Make sure to check out the village photo op and balloon-decked bounce house for even more party inspiration.
Ball Pits & Edible Bubbles
As seen above, ChrisFête Events knows how to produce an adorable birthday party with photo-worthy streamer installations. It turns out, her ideas for dessert are just as memorable.
Earth and Sugar has us craving seconds with a pink birthday cake decorated with bubble icing, stars, and musical notes. See how the bubble icing continues with a unique take on macaron bites.
11. Desserts Inspired by Décor Patterns
What’s sweeter than on-theme kids’ birthday party décor? How about desserts that literally match those decorations? Look to everything from welcome signage to balloon décor for some next-level icing inspiration.
Disco Groovy
Willow Event Designs brings this groovy disco theme to life with flower balloon creations and tablescapes with multi-colored seat cushions and a burnt-orange table runner.
The dessert is made to match with a floral-patterned birthday cake and miniature cupcakes topped with iced blossoms. Yum.
Criss Cross Applesauce
Or in this case, criss cross churros. You can tell this family is happy to have MICHELLE FLORES PHOTOGRAPHY on hand to capture all of the heartfelt moments — and the stunning dessert ops.
Churros aren’t the only dessert item taking their cues from the party decorations. See how the birthday cake, sorbet, and cake pops are just as on-theme.
12. On-Theme Coffee Keeps Parents on Their A Game
The key to hosting a stress-free kid’s birthday party lies in two steps. First, hire a kid’s birthday party planner. Second, make sure there’s plenty of coffee on hand. We’re not talking about boring drip coffee. Adults deserve their “wow” moments too, so make sure there’s on-theme custom latte art. Your photographer (and taste buds) will thank us.
Occult Caffeine Break
This Harry Potter-themed birthday party delights kids and adults alike. While the kids gravitate toward frosted sweets and a make-your-own-owl station, adults have the opportunity to enjoy custom coffee art, lavish floral centerpieces, and potion-looking cocktails.
Click to see the stylish tablescapes planned by HK Events LA. As you can see, the real wizards are the talented event vendors behind the scenes.
Coffee at the Construction Site
With the right tools (and caffeine intake), you can accomplish anything. This construction-themed birthday party, designed by Onyx Moon Events, wows with one unique detail after another — including custom coffee sips for the adults.
Click to see construction cone juice boxes, seating draped in orange safety vests, and a dump truck cake topper in the process of unloading colorful sprinkles.
13. Miniature LED Dance Floors
Epic dance parties aren’t just for weddings or corporate events. This year, we’re celebrating another year around the sun with great entertainment and a dance floor to match. Kids will flock to these miniature dance floors created just for them. It’s hard to picture anything more adorable.
With a Runway to Match
ORO Event Co. and Tailored Twig team up for this Chanel-inspired kid’s birthday filled with nods to Parisian fashion and vintage Barbie. We especially love the LED-lit miniature dance floor and personalized runway.
Make sure to check out the custom backdrop in honor of the original Chanel store at 31 Rue.
Disco Barbie Dance Off
Design team Macy Lima Celebrations + Events and 360 AV Design know the power of beautiful backdrops. This mini LED dance floor wows with disco-style silver balloons, pops of pink, and illuminated patterned backdrops.
See how the outdoor part of the celebration is just as noteworthy with a chic lemonade bar and one more mini dance floor (this time, in bright sherbet hues).
14. 2D Photo Ops
Photographs, like memories, last a lifetime; so make sure to offer plenty of custom backdrops for a picture-perfect pose. This year, comic book-style photo ops allow your celebrant to feel like they stepped off the page of their favorite story. Don’t forget to hire a talented photographer to capture the most heartfelt moments.
It’s Universal
Party-goers enjoy the best of LA all in one spot with this custom 2D backdrop. We love how clusters of white balloons mimic fluffy clouds while adding texture to the scene.
See other details from this party planned by Sky Meadow Place — like a bubble balloon cake and custom playpen.
Welcome to the Drawing Room
Joe Mineo Creative transports kids to an elegant drawing room with an illustrated wall installation and cut-out curtains.
Get a close up look of the unique tablescape to discover 2D vases paired with colorful blooms.
15. Accent Accessory Walls
Birthday signage offers limitless opportunities for creative designs. Deliver the unexpected with an installation wall filled with fun fashion accessories. Make it even more special by giving guests a take home gift from this one-of-a-kind decoration.
Slide Into Summer
Slide into summer with a fun accessory wall filled with color and seasonal accessories like this sandal setup.
See how Your Balloon Dream keeps the celebration on theme with a rainbow balloon entrance and bar installation.
Beach Club Bound
Grab your towel and favorite tote bag; it’s time to head to the beach. This beachy accessory wall is the perfect complement to tropical palm tree cutouts and colorful balloon décor.
See how Hedrick’s Catering & Events continues the beachy theme with sliders served on sunshine yellow buns.
People Also Ask…
What vendors should I hire for my kid’s birthday party?
They say it takes a village to raise a child. You could say that the same is true for throwing a kid’s birthday party. Leave the party planning to the professionals so you can actually soak up every moment of your child’s celebration. The last thing you want to do is climb a ladder to hang up streamers or worry over whether it’s safe to take the cake out of the oven.
We always recommend hiring a birthday party planner as your first step in the planning process. Your planner will save you time, money, and countless headaches. From there, you’ll want to make sure you cover your bases with a talented vendor team. Click on the links below to reach out to some of the top vendors near you.
How do you entertain a child at a party?
Most kids have short attention spans, so make sure you have plenty of fun activities on hand. Use PartySlate’s curated directories to find companies that specialize in kids’ activities and kids’ rentals. From there, work with your birthday party planner to make sure that your ideas are on theme.
Click below to see some of our favorite entertainment ideas at real events.
Where can I find more kids’ birthday party ideas?
PartySlate is your go-to resource for the best event ideas. Click below to see some of our favorite kids’ birthday party inspiration. You’ll find one-of-a-kind trends as well as classic ideas that stand the test of time.
